New York, NY – A fresh surge of cold, dry air is sweeping across the New York City region, signaling a true November chill before a potentially wet weekend. Following a few breezy, sunny days, forecasters warn that a mid-Atlantic system could bring rain and travel disruptions by Saturday evening.
Cool and Breezy Midweek Pattern
According to the National Weather Service in Upton, Wednesday’s brisk winds will persist through Thursday, with gusts reaching 25–30 mph, particularly near the Hudson River and along the East River waterfronts. Temperatures are expected to hover near 50°F, with wind chills in the low 40s during morning commutes.
Sidewalks and bridges could become slick with scattered leaves, and city crews are urging pedestrians to use caution near construction zones and scaffolding, where strong crosswinds may cause temporary instability. Commuters on I-95, the FDR Drive, and major bridges may encounter delays due to gusty conditions.
“We’re entering that classic late-fall pattern where days stay bright but blustery, and nights turn sharply cold,” said a National Weather Service spokesperson early Wednesday.
Brief Calm Before a Rainy Shift
Friday offers a temporary break with mostly sunny skies and highs in the upper 40s, creating ideal conditions for outdoor errands, park walks, or early holiday decorating. However, meteorologists say the calm will be short-lived.
A developing storm system over the mid-Atlantic is projected to move northward by Saturday, raising the chance of rain to around 50 percent. Showers could arrive by late afternoon and persist into the night, bringing wet roads and lower visibility across the tri-state area.
Drivers planning early Thanksgiving travel are advised to check updated forecasts and leave extra time, as Saturday evening’s rain could create slippery conditions on highways leading out of the city.
Solar Storm Fades After Dazzling Lights
Meanwhile, the rare G4-level solar storm that dazzled much of the U.S. with Northern Lights displays on Tuesday night has largely subsided. Minor GPS and radio disruptions remain possible through Wednesday, but the event’s most striking effects have ended.
Skywatchers may still enjoy crisp, clear night skies later this week as the atmosphere stabilizes. The clear evenings and cool mornings are expected to highlight the final weeks of fall foliage in Central Park and the Hudson Valley before winter conditions set in.
Five-Day Outlook for New York City
- Thursday: 50°/41° – Mostly sunny, breezy; gusts near 30 mph.
- Friday: 49°/37° – Mostly sunny and calm.
- Saturday: 50°/46° – Cloudy, 50% chance of rain; wet travel late.
- Sunday: 59°/43° – Early rain, turning partly sunny.
- Monday: 48°/41° – Mostly sunny, breezy; cooler air returns.
Looking Ahead
The end of November is expected to bring repeated cool-to-mild fluctuations, with temperatures staying mostly below normal. Long-range models hint at a colder pattern before Thanksgiving week, possibly linked to another polar-air push moving east from the Great Lakes.
New Yorkers can prepare for the change by keeping jackets, scarves, and umbrellas handy, as the city transitions fully into late-fall weather.
What do you think of the upcoming weekend forecast? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
